Meet the Visionary Shaking Up Halekulani’s Bar Program

Meet the Visionary Shaking Up Halekulani’s Bar Program

Legendary Hawaii hotel Halekulani’s cocktail culture is entering a bold new era, thanks its young and dynamic Director of Mixology Tuda Sarian. Born in Honolulu and sharpened in New York City’s high-demand dining scene where she worked behind the bar at some of the city’s most acclaimed cocktail destinations, Sarian brings a fearless approach to crafting cocktails that surprise and delight.

At Halekulani, she leads the charge in redefining the beverage experience across the hotel’s restaurants and bars, blending unexpected flavor pairings, custom ingredients and a deep sense of storytelling. Every cocktail she creates is rooted in a strong sense of place, a reflection of each venue’s unique spirit and her belief that every ingredient should serve a purpose.

At House Without A Key & Earl’s, tropical nostalgia takes center stage with playful creations like the Pulehu Pineapple and Coconut Cake Martini (it’s hard to pick just one to enjoy!). Orchids leans into Mediterranean flavors with balanced, food-friendly spritzes like the Frizzante Melone. Over at Lewers Lounge, jazz-era influence shines with cocktails like That Was My Heart, blending strawberry, chocolate, and gin into a romantic riff on a Negroni. At award-winning French restaurant La Mer, Sarian explores French spirits and culinary technique in refined, layered drinks like the smoked Rêve de Tahiti.

Halekulani’s beverage team continues to push the boundaries of creativity, offering guests exclusive, cocktail-forward events that elevate the beverage experience. Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the months ahead:

  • May 18 – 19: New York’s Milady’s and Clover Club take over Lewers Lounge at Halekulani. Mixologists Julie Reiner and Tuda Sarian showcase Clover Club classics (May 18) and exclusive Milady’s creations (May 19). Enjoy inventive cocktails like 16” Hawaiian – Tuda’s Take, a bold twist on a Milady’s original with Legent Bourbon, Kō Hana Kea, grilled corn syrup, and smoky lapsang shrub.
  • May 23 – 25: The WAITIKI 7 returns to House Without A Key Memorial Day weekend with their electrifying “Exotica” sound. This year, Halekulani offers a VIP Pass for an exclusive meet-and-greet in its newest Premier Suite, The Penthouse, reserved seating, late-night bites, and a curated swag bag. Guests will also enjoy tiki cocktails by Sarian, including Similau, a vibrant, dragonfruit-dusted creation inspired by the band’s tropical rhythms.
  • June 27: La Mer presents an exclusive evening of fine dining and rare Bordeaux wines in partnership with Château Cheval Blanc. Cellar Master Carole André will guide guests through select vintages from Cheval Blanc, Cheval des Andes, and Château d’Yquem. The evening begins with Champagne Krug Grand Cuvée, followed by a five-course menu from Chef Alexandre Trancher, paired with wines like Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2021 and Château Cheval Blanc 2009 and 2006.

One of the first and finest hotels in Hawaii, Halekulani has welcomed guests to these tranquil beachfront grounds for more than a century. We believe in anticipating your needs and making sure you want for nothing. Top-tier service, award-winning cuisine, unique amenities and no resort fee surprises, are all here for one reason: You. We look forward to welcoming you to our House Befitting Heaven.